A Milwaukee inmate is accused of making some serious threats from behind bars.Milwaukee County investigators said 31-year-old Mark Girtler was writing letters threatening his girlfriend and her family if they testified against him in a domestic abuse case. WISN 12 News reporter Christina Palladino spoke with a family member who said the couple dated more than 10 years and have a child together and that their relationship has always been abusive.VIDEO: Inmate accused of arranging homicide from jailThe girlfriend went to police recently after a man claiming to be Girtler's former cellmate came to her door and left her a note that he'd been sent to kill her.Investigators learned Girtler had asked the man to "do a job," saying in a letter, "I don't care if u put da barrel in da (expletive) mouth or pistol whip her."The woman's cousin said even though Girtler is still in jail, she's terrified of who else he may have convinced to kill her and remains on her guard.Girtler has been at the House of Correction in Franklin since January. The Sheriff's Office said Girtler has an extensive criminal history, including armed robbery, battery, domestic abuse and intimidation of witnesses.Girtler wrote in another letter that he was "not ready to do no 12-15 years," for the crime which he was held for.Because the accused threats are felonies, Girtler could face the rest of his life in prison.

MILWAUKEE —

A Milwaukee inmate is accused of making some serious threats from behind bars.

Milwaukee County investigators said 31-year-old Mark Girtler was writing letters threatening his girlfriend and her family if they testified against him in a domestic abuse case.

WISN 12 News reporter Christina Palladino spoke with a family member who said the couple dated more than 10 years and have a child together and that their relationship has always been abusive.